John Lisle

John Lisle, a boy born during the Great Depression to a poor Oklahoma farmer, died on April 27, 2016. He was 77 years old. Though born poor, he loved to read and learned to play the trumpet through the Salvation Army Church. His family migrated to California seeking work, and he played his trumpet on the street corners of California for the homeless seeking a place to eat or stay. Through the grateful help of others, he eventually escaped his poverty and was the first in his family to go to college, then became a lawyer, and later a State Senator. Before college he served his country as a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division. He met his future wife Joan at a dance and asked her to marry him. She said yes. They married and remained married for 55 years. Together they had three sons and five grandchildren. Throughout his years, John loved to read, to write, to paint. He left his family a legacy of artwork hanging on their walls and left so many books there are not enough shelves for them all. His favorite gifts for his boys were the books he loved to read and share. Alzheimer's stole most everything from him except those he loved. The only safe place to store your memories is in the hearts of others. When you sow your heart into the hearts of those you love, you will live with them forever. Survivors include his wife, Joan; three sons, Rex, Chris and his wife Julie, Steve and his wife Christina; four brothers, one sister and five grandchildren, Madison, Andrew, Olivia, Jack and Lucy Kate. A memorial service will be held Saturday, April 30, 2016 at 10 a.m. at Sisco Funeral Chapel of Springdale. Memorials may be made to The Salvation Army of Northwest Arkansas, 219 W. 15th St., Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701 or The Bread of Life, 208 W. Emma Ave., Springdale, Arkansas 72764. Online condolences may be left at www.siscofuneral.com.